Review

Rachel Reviews: A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler
I had heard good things about Anne Tyler and as I am unsure as to whether I had read her before or not, I thought I would give her a go. This is the reason I write reviews: to keep a record of what I read and try and embed them into my brain. I'm still not sure if I've read her previously or not but I will certainly read her again.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in BookClub
Book Review: Third Name's A Charm (Anthology)
All good things come in threes. Once upon a time, a group of authors accepted the challenge from a fairy tale name generator. Not just once or twice, but thrice! Volume three of these quirky stories is a collection stories featuring trios and triple threats. In this clean YA anthology, follow the fates of three IVF-manufactured (oops, sorry, potion-begotten) triplet princesses, be enlisted as the third lucky bodyguard to stave off monsters, see if the third wand works wonders for an unlucky mage, try to discover the true name of a unicorn prince, discover why the magical artefacts come in threes and climb towers with thieves to step into abductions of well-known fairytale characters. Don’t forget, with the rule of three, there are always exceptions. Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and maybe you’ll be thrice enchanted. All proceeds donated to a charity in support of reading and literacy.
By Marie Sinadjan2 years ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon
I can remember reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Haddon's debut novel, and being struck by it. Sometimes you read books that are extraordinary and unlike anything you've ever read before. And then, I read a book of short stories by him which I enjoyed but a friend, to whom I had recommended them, pointed out to me were all about death and for some reason, I shied away from his fiction for a bit.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in BookClub
"Explore the Beauty of Our Planet: Captivating Nonfiction Books About Nature Part I"
1. From Gardens Where We Feel Secure by Susanna Grant and Rowan Spray is a captivating exploration of the profound significance of community gardens, presented through a collection of short essays that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on readers.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop by Lewis Buzbee
I love books in all their forms and this is something that Lewis Buzbee and I have in common. If I had to have a preference, it would be a paperback with thick paper pages and a cover that takes some creasing. But I'm not fussy.
By Rachel Deeming2 years ago in BookClub
Unveiling Resilience: "The Woman" by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah stands tall in the world of literature as a maestro of historical fiction, capable of whisking readers away to distant eras with her evocative prose and deeply human narratives. With acclaimed works such as "The Nightingale" firmly cementing her reputation, Hannah's latest novel, "The Woman," emerges as a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity amidst the harrowing backdrop of World War II. In this meticulously crafted tale, Hannah delicately threads together the lives of two extraordinary women, inviting readers to witness their journey of courage, friendship, and resilience.
By Kevin Nguyen2 years ago in BookClub
Book Review: Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson
Paisley, Scotland, 1697. Thirty-five people accused of witchcraft. Seven condemned to death. Six strangled and burned at the stake. All accused by eleven-year-old Christian Shaw. Bargarran House, 1722. Christian Shaw returns home, spending every waking hour perfecting the thread bleaching process that will revive her family’s fortune. If only she can make it white enough, perhaps her past sins will be purified too. But dark forces are at work. As the twenty-fifth anniversary of the witch burnings approaches, ravens circle Bargarran House, their wild cries stirring memories and triggering visions. As Christian’s mind begins to unravel, her states of delusion threaten the safety of all those who cross her path. In the end she must make a terrible choice: her mind or her soul? Poverty and madness, or a devil’s bargain for the bleaching process that will make her the most successful businesswoman Paisley has ever seen? Her fate hangs by a thread. Which will she choose?
By Marie Sinadjan2 years ago in BookClub
"Embark on an Adventure: Explore Our National Parks Through These Captivating Books"
1. "Grand Canyon" by Jason Chin stands as a captivating and enriching picture book that has secured its place among my favorites. Renowned for his exceptional storytelling and breathtaking illustrations, Chin delivers yet another masterpiece that effortlessly combines adventure, education, and awe-inspiring beauty.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
Is "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" The Best Novel of 2022?
Gabrielle Zevin’s The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is one of my favorite books of all time. When her latest novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow came out in 2022, I wanted to read it even before I saw the premise. And when it won the Goodreads Award for best fiction, and accumulated high ratings, I knew it was a must-read.
By J. S. Wong2 years ago in BookClub
Book Review: Undine's Blessing by Tessa Hastjarjanto
A dutiful daughter, a mystical archipelago, and a hidden power waiting to command the tides... Marella spends her days caring for her sick mother and selling her father's fish. Bound by duty and love, she dreams little of adventure. But when her mother must travel to the city for treatment, her father takes her out to sea, despite her fear of water. A storm steers them to Emberrain, home to a tribe of magical nymphs and a place of secrets, where Marella discovers a startling truth: her father is a frequent visitor to these mysterious islands. Soon she learns that Emberrain isn't the only secret he had kept from her. Marella has the power to control water and communicate with aquatic animals. Overwhelmed by the magical but dangerous islands, and the secrets of her father, Marella must learn to harness her powers to save herself and her new aquatic friend before they are separated from their parents forever. Undine's Blessing is a journey of wonder, where fears are faced and mysteries unravel, and a young girl learns that true adventure begins when you dare to embrace who you truly are.
By Marie Sinadjan2 years ago in BookClub
"If You Loved That Bestselling Novel, You'll Enjoy This Nonfiction Gems Part III"
1. "Breaking the Silence: Unveiling the Journey of Healing from Complex Trauma" Colleen Hoover's gripping novels have captivated readers worldwide, shedding light on the harrowing realities of domestic violence and the profound impact of trauma on individuals and families. Through the compelling narratives of characters like Lily, Hoover confronts the complexities of abusive relationships and the enduring struggle for liberation and healing. For readers seeking a deeper exploration of the long-term consequences of trauma and the path to recovery, journalist Stephanie Foo's memoir "What My Bones Know" offers a poignant and illuminating account of her journey with complex PTSD.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub
"If You Loved That Bestselling Novel, You'll Enjoy This Nonfiction Gems Part II"
1. "Behind the Screens: Unveiling the Human Drama of the Video Game Industry" In Gabrielle Zevin's captivating novel "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow," readers are transported into the intricate world of video game design, where friendships are forged, careers are made, and personal struggles intertwine with professional ambitions. For those intrigued by the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the video game industry, investigative journalist Jason Schreier's "Press Reset" offers a compelling exploration of the ruin and recovery experienced by those working within this complex and ever-evolving field.
By Akale Mandundu2 years ago in BookClub